Since acquiring the mixed-use property in 2005, Marc Realty transformed what was once was a source of crime and disorder into a neighborhood asset, with quality affordable apartment living and a mix of commercial businesses that provide first-rate services and amenities.

Stop by each of the businesses Friday night and enjoy complimentary food and/or drink and check out all their wonderful products and services.

Michael Markelos, owner of Philly’s Best Sports Bar, 6800 N. Sheridan, will be serving up a sampling of his renowned Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink.

Michael’s family moved from Philadelphia to West Rogers Park when he was a youngster. He owns four Philly’s Best restaurants in the Chicago area and recently decided to move his Evanston establishment to Sheridan and Pratt. The result is a great Rogers Park gathering spot to watch sports and sample delicious taste treats from Philadelphia while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

This is the real Philly deal. Michael ships his ingredients from Philadelphia, including Amoroso bread and Liberty Bell steak. Michael’s family opened a grinder shop in West Rogers Park over 40 years ago, and several members of his extended family operate restaurants in Philadelphia.

Michael says, “I am real excited about returning home to Rogers Park. I think it’s a great location and can’t wait until this summer, so my customers can enjoy the patio” (see photo above).

Dr. Nakhlis recently moved VZN Eye Care from further south on Sheridan Road to its current larger location. VZN provides a complete array of eye care services, ranging from preventive comprehensive eye care to medical eye emergencies, using the latest technology.

Pradeep Patel, owner of Hops and Grapes,6816 N. Sheridan, will be hosting a free wine tasting with cheese and crackers.

Pradeep is proud to open his second location in Rogers Park, turning a run-down packaged goods liquor store into a neighborhood asset, offering craft beer, quality spirits and fine wines.
Since opening the store in October, Hops and Grapes has received rave reviews on social media sites, such as Yelp. As one writer noted, Hops and Grapes, offers a “huge selection of beer and wine. I was really impressed with the beer selection. They have a ton of craft beers, as well as the regular brews.”

Another reviewer observed, “You’ll find more than beer and wine there. They have a pretty top notch liquor selection and if you’re a bourbon or tequila lover then you certainly won’t be disappointed. The store is relatively new, very clean, very bright and the staff is friendly. There’s even a list by the counter where they’re taking customer suggestions.”

Hops and Grapes will be hosting wine-tastings Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through the end of December.

Piotr “Peter” Pietranik (pictured on right with his wife), owner of SP Kebab, 6808 N. Sheridan, will be offering a complimentary kebab cup appetizer and a small soft drink.

SP Kebab is going on its third year. Peter proudly serves his authentic Eastern European kebob using all fresh ingredients and is proud to say that SP Kebab is #1 rated on Yelp in Rogers Park. It receives almost universal 5-star reviews. There is something special about the way Peter makes his kebabs. With fresh, homemade ingredients, and a unique Eastern European style, the Peter ensures diners that the food at his restaurant is unlike anything they have ever tasted.

SP Kebab is open noon to 10pm seven days a week.

Make sure you also stop by Carmen’s Beauty Salon, 6810 N. Sheridan. Carmen’s recently celebrated two years at this location, having been in Rogers Park over 10 years. Owner Albert Badine is happy to have found a new space close to his previous location so he can continue to serve the client base he and his family have built over the last 12 years.

So join me Friday as we celebrate the revitalization of this important corner in Rogers Park!

“Follow Me on Friday”is one of my efforts to encourage my constituents to sample some of the 49th Ward’s finest restaurants, pubs and businesses. Each week on my Facebook page, I post the name and location of a local restaurant, pub or business where I’ll be hanging out after work on Friday. The establishment offers specials for all my Facebook followers and their friends. It’s a great opportunity for you to check out one of the fine local 49th Ward businesses you may not have visited before.